Anatiformes
/ˌænətɪˈfɔːrmiːz/noun
A taxonomic group or former classification for duck-shaped or duck-like birds.
Did you know?The name combines Latin anas, “duck,” with -formis, “having the shape of,” the same classificatory idea preserved in many scientific names.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂énh₂t-
“Reconstructed word associated with a waterfowl or duck”
Classical Latin
Latin
anas; genitive anatis
“Duck; the form anatis supplied the stem used in scientific compounds”
Late Latin
Latin
-formis
“Shaped like or having the form of”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
Anatiformes
“Duck-shaped; a taxonomic grouping based on resemblance to ducks”
Modern English
English
Anatiformes
“A zoological taxon or former taxonomic name for duck-like birds”